THE Conservative Group of Wiltshire Council has elected Councillor Philip Whitehead as its new group leader.

He will succeed Councillor Baroness Jane Scott who has stepped down.

Cllr Whitehead, who represents the council division of Urchfont and the Cannings, will be the Conservative Group nomination for leader of Wiltshire Council when a new head is selected by the authority on July 9.

Cllr Whitehead said:"I am delighted and honoured to have been selected by the Conservative Group of Wiltshire Council to be their new Leader.

"I look forward to being nominated by the Conservative Group as their choice for leader of Wiltshire Council at the Full Council meeting next Tuesday.

"If elected I pledge to deliver our vision for the council and the people of Wiltshire for the years to come."